Ireland's fringe players staked their claim for a spot in the team for next weekend's test against Argentina, running in eight tries in a 53-0 thrashing of Fiji in a non-cap international on Saturday.

Craig Gilroy scored a hat trick of tries and fellow winger Fergus McFadden went over for two more for a largely second-string Irish team.

Sean Cronin, Darren Cave and Luke Marshall also touched down in a one-sided match in Limerick. Fiji succumbed to a second straight heavy beating, having lost 54-12 to England last weekend.

"The win is massive - a lot of the young lads took their opportunity and played out of their skin," said Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip, who played in the 16-12 loss to South Africa last Saturday.

Final Score Ireland A 53(29) Fiji 0 (0)

Scorers

Ireland A
Tries: Gilroy 3, McFadden 2, Cronin, Cave, Marshall
Penalties: Jackson
Conversions:Jackson 5

Fiji
-

Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wal)

Teams

Ireland A: 15 Denis Hurley, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Luke Marshall, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip (capt), 7 John Muldoon, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 David Kilcoyne.

Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Michael Bent, 19 Donnacha Ryan, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Jonathan Sexton, 23 Simon Zebo.

Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Simeli Koniferedi, 13 Vereniki Govena, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Watisoni Votu, 10 Jonetani Ralulu, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 8 Nemani Nagusa, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Iliesa Ratuva, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Jerry Yanuyanutawa.

Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Manasa Saulo, 18 Setefano Somoca, 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Jovili Domolailai, 21 Kelemedi Bola, 22 Saula Radidi, 23 Timoci Matanavou.